Building Climate-Resilient Cities: India’s Path Forward

Cities are central to India’s future. Within the next five years, urban areas are expected to generate over 70% of new jobs, and in 25 years, India’s urban population could approach one billion, with some megacities outgrowing entire countries. To harness this growth, India’s cities must craft forward-looking plans that nurture the talent and entrepreneurship of their young populations.

A Narrow Window for Action

Much of India’s urban infrastructure is yet to be built, giving cities a critical window to plan for the future. By 2070, the country will need over 144 million new homes—more than double today’s stock—along with transport systems and municipal services capable of supporting these unprecedented numbers.

Building for Climate Resilience

New infrastructure must be climate-resilient, protecting against floods, heat, and other extreme events. Without early investments, India risks billions in annual damages and countless lives.

• Floods: Two-thirds of urban residents will face surface flooding risks, potentially costing $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070. Cities can mitigate this by designating high-risk no-build zones, improving drainage, using nature-based solutions, and installing flood warning systems. Cities like Kolkata and Chennai are already implementing such measures.

• Extreme Heat: Urban heat islands cause night temperatures in major cities to be 3–5°C higher than surrounding areas. With climate change, this trend will worsen. Measures such as Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan, increasing tree cover, using cool roofs, and adjusting work hours for outdoor laborers can save lives and protect productivity.

Housing and Urban Planning

Over half of India’s housing stock for 2070 is yet to be built. How these homes are planned, designed, and constructed will profoundly impact residents and cities. Compact, climate-resilient urban design can make cities more inclusive, prosperous, and safe.

Transportation and Municipal Services

Efficient transport is key to urban productivity. Currently, over 25% of urban roads are flood-prone, and even partial inundation can paralyze city transport. Investments in flood-resilient roads, improved drainage, alternative routes, and maintenance are critical.

Modernising municipal services, including waste management and converting waste to energy, can improve air, water, and soil quality, directly enhancing quality of life and productivity.

Collaboration and Investment

Meeting these challenges requires strong institutions, government support, citizen engagement, and private sector involvement for efficiency, financing, and technical expertise.

Over the next 30 years, developing climate-resilient, low-carbon urban infrastructure may cost $10.95 trillion, but it has the potential to save billions annually, attract investment, generate jobs, foster innovation, and unlock India’s urban potential. The time to act is now.